The BMW i4 disappoints with four stars in the Euro NCAP crash test

An obvious thing that is no longer obvious… That’s how you could describe the five-star Euro NCAP rating in one sentence. A veritable ritual that determines the marketing of any new model, the test supervised by the European body has seen its criteria tightened over the years. If vehicles are always thrown against the wall, they must also be able to avoid accidents. This is a big deal because it can change the results for cars that are used to getting the highest score.

And it’s a rare occurrence that a high-end model is now paying the price for this tough reform. The BMW i4 did not manage to leave the session with five stars in its pocket. The Bavarian car got four stars, a score similar to mainstream models such as the Peugeot 308. Although the electric sedan manages to protect adults and children very well (87% in both cases), its driving assistance systems are lacking with a score of 64%.

This astonishing score is easily explained: the i4 borrows cameras, radars and sensors from the 3 Series that passed the test in 2019. Three years is not a long time and yet it was enough to make a difference. At that time, the test was more lenient and there were fewer criteria for passing than today. For example, the i4 is unable to detect cross traffic or pedestrians and cyclists in the dark.

Avoiding a collision with a vehicle in the blind spot is also impossible. But these tests are an integral part of the Euro NCAP test in 2022. Not taking them because you don’t have the necessary equipment is simply a failure in the relevant categories. This would have a serious impact on the overall score. Let’s hope that BMW will rectify the situation on its next models so as not to repeat this bitter experience.